----------Hours & Directions---------
Library Hours
- Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- *Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- *Saturday Hours July & Aug.: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
History
The Kutztown Public Library traces its beginning to a bequest in
1941 from Louisa M. Gonser who stipulated that her home on Main Street be used
for the establishment of a free public library and a YMCA. The library did not
become a reality until 1949 when the Business & Professional Women's Club
requested permission to establish a reading library for children on the first
floor.
By 1958 the library had outgrown its quarters and was moved to the
old town hall on Whiteoak Street where it was housed until the new borough
quarters were completed in 1989. It was then moved to its recent location on the
lower level of the Municipal Building.
The current building at 70 Bieber
Alley, behind the Sovereign Bank property on Constitution Boulevard, has a
varied history. The central structure was an 18th century barn. A back portion
was used as a slaughterhouse in the early part of the century. Most recently the
property was a plumber's office and workplace. The building was purchased by the
library board in 1997 from John Printz. The renovations took less than three
months. The library reopened as the Louisa Gonser Community Library on July 2,
1998.